Topical Bible: Drunkenness: Noah

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Topical Encyclopedia

Drunkenness is a recurring theme in the Bible, often depicted as a moral failing with significant consequences. One of the earliest and most notable instances of drunkenness is found in the account of Noah, a righteous man chosen by God to survive the great flood. This account is recorded in the Book of Genesis and serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption.

Biblical Account

After the floodwaters receded, Noah and his family emerged from the ark, and Noah began to cultivate the land. Genesis 9:20-21 states, "Now Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. But when he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and uncovered himself inside his tent." This passage marks the first mention of wine and drunkenness in the Bible, highlighting the vulnerability even of a righteous man like Noah to the pitfalls of excess.

Consequences and Family Dynamics

Noah's drunkenness led to a significant and troubling incident within his family. Genesis 9:22-23 continues, "And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father’s nakedness and told his two brothers outside. Then Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it across their shoulders, and walking backward, they covered their father’s nakedness. Their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father’s nakedness." This act of disrespect by Ham, contrasted with the respectful actions of Shem and Japheth, resulted in a curse upon Ham's son, Canaan, as described in Genesis 9:24-25 : "When Noah awoke from his drunkenness and learned what his youngest son had done to him, he said, 'Cursed be Canaan! A servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.'"

Moral and Theological Implications

The account of Noah's drunkenness serves as a powerful reminder of the moral and spiritual dangers associated with alcohol abuse. Despite Noah's righteousness and his pivotal role in God's plan to preserve humanity, he was not immune to the weaknesses of the flesh. This incident underscores the importance of self-control and the potential for sin to disrupt familial relationships and lead to long-lasting consequences.

From a theological perspective, Noah's experience illustrates the fallen nature of humanity and the need for vigilance against sin. It also highlights the theme of grace, as Noah, despite his failings, remains a central figure in God's covenant with humanity. The narrative encourages believers to seek wisdom and moderation, recognizing the potential for even the most faithful individuals to stumble.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, wine was a common part of daily life and religious rituals. Vineyards and wine production were integral to the agrarian economy, and wine was often associated with celebration and hospitality. However, the Bible consistently warns against the dangers of overindulgence. Proverbs 20:1 cautions, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." This wisdom literature reflects a broader biblical theme that emphasizes the importance of temperance and the perils of drunkenness.

Conclusion

The account of Noah's drunkenness is a multifaceted narrative that offers insights into human nature, the consequences of sin, and the enduring need for divine grace. It serves as a timeless warning to exercise self-control and to be mindful of the impact of one's actions on family and community.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 9:21
And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. )
... Moreover, the remark has not an independent import; it serves only to prepare the
way for the communication of the subsequent account of Noah's drunkenness. ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessings of noah upon.htm

Whether Drunkenness is a Sin?
... of this: and in this way too, drunkenness may occur without sin, especially if it
is not through his negligence, and thus we believe that Noah was made drunk ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether drunkenness is a sin.htm

Chapter ix
... Besides in the case of Noah's being the first wiwer, Noah's drunkenness is
entirely excusable; and yet the nature of this record seems to imply guilt on ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter ix.htm

The General Conference of 1832
... the obligation is made equally binding: Neither shall the priests drink wine when
they enter into the inner court.' The drunkenness of Noah, Lot, Nadab, Abihu ...
/.../chapter 11 the general conference.htm

The Vow of Chastity, and Its Rites in the Law; vines, Christ, and ...
... Hence, also, in the time of Noah, men having given themselves up to drunkenness,
sank down into unbelief, and, being overwhelmed by the deluge, were drowned. ...
/.../chapter v the vow of chastity.htm

He Reconciles Some Passages of Scripture.
... man must be led by their history to say, for instance, that drunkenness is not sin,
although so good a man was overtaken by it; for we read that Noah was once ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 12 x he reconciles some.htm

Original Sin
... lust and passion. Who would have thought to have found adultery in David,
and drunkenness in Noah, and cursing in Job? If God leave ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 original sin.htm

The Scriptures.
... "Noah drank of the wine and was drunken." The Holy Ghost, when it hath to do with
sin, loves to give it its own name; drunkenness must be drunkenness, murder ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/iii the scriptures.htm

The Heinous Sin of Profane Cursing and Swearing
... It was some excuse for the drunkenness of Noah, and the adultery of David, that
they committed these crimes but once; as, on the contrary, of the patriarch ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the heinous sin of profane.htm

Man.
... "And Noah lived after ... and benefit of his church, save only, that he died at "nine
hundred and fifty years:" so great a breach did this drunkenness make upon ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/iv man.htm